California Leaders Reach Deal To Reopen Schools

California leaders have come to an agreement that will have most public school students back in classrooms by the end of March, reports the Associated Press (AP).

The deal between Governor Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders was announced on Monday, March 1.

Although California cannot order schools to return to in-person instruction, state officials can offer incentives to districts that do.

Under their proposal, school districts that reopen by March 31 could get up to $6.6 billion.

In order to get the money, schools must resume in-person instruction through at least second grade, according to AP.

However, some school districts will be required to expand their reopening to get the money.

School districts in counties where coronavirus case numbers are low must return to in-person instruction for all elementary grades as well as hold in-person classes for one grade in middle school and one grade in high school.

AP also reports that the deal does not require staff and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

It would also not require districts to get approval from teachers' unions before reopening, according to officials.

However, COVID-19 testing is required for schools in counties under the purple tier.

The proposal is a deal between Governor Newsom, state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.

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